will not be part of the playing XI for the clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. CSK are currently struggling at the bottom of the points table, while PBKS sit fifth and will be aiming for a crucial victory to strengthen their position towards the playoffs.
Toss Update
PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, stating that the team will focus on the process and aim to deliver a strong performance. Meanwhile, CSK captain MS Dhoni hinted at a possible return for the next IPL season during the toss. He acknowledged the importance of home advantage but admitted that the team has failed to capitalize on it this season.
Azmatullah Omarzai replaces Glen Maxwell in Playing XI
Prabhsimran Singh has been moved to the Impact Substitute, with medium pacer Suryansh Shegde brought into the playing XI to strengthen the bowling attack. Maxwell, meanwhile, is ruled out due to thumb injury and has been replaced by Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. PBKS are yet to name a replacement for the Australian cricketer, but a decision will be taken soon.
What did the captains say?
Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings
We’re going to bowl first. We’ll focus on our process. Our preparations have been intact. Boys are in high spirits and looking forward for a great game. Unfortunate that he’s got a fractured finger (Maxwell). Haven’t decided on a replacement so far.
MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings
I don’t know I’m coming for the next game (laughs). One of the things is the pride factor. Majority of the games you play at home. Home advantage is very important which we haven’t been able to capitalise on. Same team. We’ve been a side where we don’t make a lot of changes. But this season we’ve made a lot of changes. Reason is simple. If most of your players are doing well, then you chop and change 1-2 players. But this season it hasn’t worked for us. It’s also the first season after a fresh auction. So you have something in mind but you have to see where a batter is suited better.
Playing 11s
Punjab Kings
Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer(c), Josh Inglis(w), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Suryansh Shedge, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
Impact Subs: Prabhsimran Singh, Musheer Khan, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Xavier Bartlett, Praveen Dubey
Chennai Super Kings
Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni(w/c), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
Impact Subs: Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton
